Fishing gear can be expensive. Whether you buy cheaper reels or expensive reels, it all adds up and is an expensive and addictive hobby. When it comes to spinning reels, there are plenty of options and a lot to choose from. You can get spinning reels for around $25, and they can go all the way up to nearly $1000 in some cases. There are major differences in quality, ability, weight, and features. Let’s dive into expensive vs cheap reels and how they stack up.
Expensive vs Cheap Reels – Do You Get What You Pay For?
$50 Range
For the lower end of the spectrum, I chose the Revo Max STX reel from Abu Garcia. This reel weighs 7.8oz, has 6 ball bearings, and has a drag system at around 6.4lbs of strength and a machined aluminum spool. Now, this is not a terrible option for an angler who goes out a few times a month and wants to catch decent-sized fish such as pan fish, bass, pike, and walleye. The limitations would come in with larger.
Fish such as catfish, musky, and other species that would max out the drag systems in this reel. There is something to be said about weight when casting all day, too. If you are the type of angler who casts hundreds of times each outing, like me, then weight matters. You are likely to get gear fatigue with heavier rods, reels, and baits.
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Heavier vs Lighter
If you are using a lightweight rod and bait, then a heavier reel will kind of defeat the lightweight feel of your other gear, since the weight is literally in your hands the entire time. A lighter-weight reel can make a huge difference on those longer days on the water. Overall, this reel is a solid option for the lower budget angler or for a beginner reel, but I would not count on it for tournaments or very active anglers due to its lower-end parts and build.
$500+ Range
Now for the opposite end of the spectrum. For this review, I am choosing the lightest and most expensive reel in the lineup from Abu Garcia. I am talking about the Zenon spinning reel that tops out at $599 at the time of writing this article. Yes, you read that right, this reel costs $599 hard-earned dollars. Let’s break down why this cost is so much higher than the previous reel and most reels on the market.
First, I mentioned weight being a factor, and this reel packs a big punch for only weighing a featherweight of less than 5 ounces! The magnesium frame and ultra-light Air-Fin spool make this reel strong and extremely compact. The drag system tops out at a strong 11lbs, and the aircraft-grade aluminum shaft adds to its strength. 11 stainless steel besting that are ready for salt or freshwater use make this a very versatile option as well. I know it is expensive, and to most anglers, it is overkill for average fishing, but this engineering marvel is geared more for the serious angler who fishes so often that the weightlessness of this reel will make a major difference in gear fatigue.
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Personal Experience
I personally used this reel quite a bit over the last season or two, and it changes things when casting all day and putting a reel through some tough work. I do not recommend this reel unless it is something that can make your adventures more efficient, or you are looking for a reel that can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.
Expensive vs Cheap Reels – Final Thoughts
Do you need expensive gear to catch more fish? Absolutely not. The fish don’t care what gear you use or how much it costs. I always recommend a lightweight and quality reel if you plan to fish more than a few times per year, and to always invest in the gear you use so it can last and hold up. Pick out which gear fits your needs and budget the most, and at the end of the day, you are the one who must pay for it and use it. Get the reel that works best for you and fits your needs, and go out and catch some fish!
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